How to Sell Affiliate Products on Pinterest

Affiliate marketing has become one of the most popular ways to earn passive income online, and Pinterest is a powerful platform that can help you reach thousands, even millions, of potential buyers. If you're looking to sell affiliate products on Pinterest, you need a strategic approach tailored to this unique visual search engine. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essentials of selling affiliate products on Pinterest, so you can start generating commissions effectively.

Why Pinterest for Affiliate Marketing?

Pinterest is often overlooked compared to platforms like Instagram or Facebook, but it’s a goldmine for affiliate marketers. Here’s why:

• Highly Visual Platform: Pinterest is a visual discovery engine where people search for inspiration, ideas, and products.
• Long Lifespan of Content: Unlike Instagram or Facebook posts that disappear quickly, Pinterest pins can drive traffic for months or even years.
• High Buyer Intent: Many Pinterest users search with the intent to buy, especially in niches like fashion, beauty, home décor, and DIY.
• SEO Friendly: Pinterest functions like a search engine, so optimizing your pins can help you rank for keywords and attract organic traffic.

With these advantages, Pinterest can be a perfect channel to promote affiliate products and make consistent sales.

Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account

Before you start selling, you need a Pinterest Business Account. This gives you access to Pinterest Analytics, ads, and other useful tools to grow your affiliate marketing.

• Go to Pinterest.com and sign up for a business account or convert your existing personal account to business.
• Complete your profile with a clear profile picture, keyword-optimized bio, and website link (if you have one).
• Enable Rich Pins to display more detailed information directly on your pins. This can help your pins look more professional and increase engagement.

Step 2: Choose the Right Affiliate Products and Niches

Not all affiliate products are a good fit for Pinterest. Focus on products that match Pinterest’s popular categories such as:

• Fashion and accessories
• Beauty and skincare
• Home décor and furniture
• DIY and crafts
• Health and wellness
• Food and recipes
• Travel and lifestyle

Make sure the products you promote offer good commission rates and have a reputation for quality. Also, choose affiliate programs that allow direct linking on Pinterest or use a landing page strategy if required.

Step 3: Research Keywords and Trending Topics

Pinterest works like a search engine. To get your pins noticed, you need to optimize them with relevant keywords.

• Use Pinterest’s search bar to type in keywords related to your product or niche and look at the suggested autocomplete phrases.
• Check trending pins and topics in your niche to see what’s popular.
• Use tools like Pinterest Trends or third-party keyword research tools to find popular search terms.

Incorporate these keywords naturally into your pin titles, descriptions, and board names.

Step 4: Create Eye-Catching Pins

Pinterest is highly visual, so your pins must grab attention and encourage users to click.

• Use vertical images with an aspect ratio of 2:3 (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels).
• Use bright, contrasting colors and readable fonts.
• Add text overlays on your images that highlight the benefit or key feature of the product.
• Include your brand logo or website URL subtly on the pin for branding.
• Use Canva or other design tools to create professional-looking pins easily.

Each product should have multiple pin variations to test what works best.

Step 5: Write Compelling Pin Descriptions

Your pin description should complement your image and persuade users to click through your affiliate link.

• Use relevant keywords naturally but avoid keyword stuffing.
• Highlight benefits or solve problems related to the product.
• Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) like “Shop now,” “Get yours today,” or “Check it out.”
• If allowed, disclose affiliate links by including a short note like “This post contains affiliate links.”

Example:
"Looking for the perfect skincare routine? Try this all-natural serum that reduces wrinkles and hydrates your skin all day long! Shop now and glow naturally."

Step 6: Use Affiliate Links Correctly on Pinterest

Pinterest has updated its policy on affiliate links several times, but as of now, direct affiliate links are generally allowed on pins. However, policies can vary depending on the affiliate network.

• Check the terms of your affiliate program to see if direct linking on Pinterest is allowed.
• If direct linking is not allowed or you want to add more value, create a blog post or landing page on your website that reviews or explains the product, then pin that page with your affiliate link.
• Use URL shorteners or trackers to monitor clicks and conversions.

Step 7: Organize Your Boards Strategically

Create boards that reflect your niche and the products you promote. Here are some tips:

• Name boards with keyword-rich titles.
• Include detailed board descriptions with keywords.
• Pin consistently to these boards, mixing your affiliate pins with other valuable, non-affiliate content.
• Group boards (group boards with other pinners) can help you reach a wider audience.

Step 8: Pin Consistently and Schedule Pins

To grow your Pinterest presence, pin regularly. Consistency signals the algorithm that your account is active and trustworthy.

• Aim to pin at least 10-15 pins per day.
• Use scheduling tools like Tailwind to automate pinning and post during optimal engagement times.
• Mix fresh pins with repins of popular content to keep your boards dynamic.

Step 9: Promote Your Pins with Pinterest Ads (Optional)

If you want to speed up results, you can invest in Pinterest Ads to promote your affiliate pins.

• Create a campaign targeting your niche audience based on interests, keywords, and demographics.
• Use compelling ad copy and eye-catching images.
• Monitor performance and optimize for clicks or conversions.

Ads can be a great way to get initial traction but ensure your pins and landing pages are high quality before investing.

Step 10: Track Your Results and Optimize

Use Pinterest Analytics and your affiliate dashboards to track:

• Which pins get the most clicks
• Which affiliate products convert best
• What keywords drive traffic
• Engagement metrics like saves and comments

Use this data to refine your pin designs, descriptions, keywords, and promoted products to maximize your affiliate income.

Final Tips for Success

• Be Authentic: Only promote products you believe in to build trust with your followers.
• Add Value: Provide helpful tips or tutorials with your pins to encourage sharing and engagement.
• Follow Pinterest Policies: Avoid spammy behavior, and always disclose affiliate links transparently.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and engage in group boards to boost visibility.

Conclusion

Selling affiliate products on Pinterest can be a lucrative and sustainable source of income if done strategically. By setting up a business account, choosing the right products, optimizing your pins for search, and consistently engaging with the Pinterest community, you’ll be well on your way to affiliate marketing success.

Ready to start? Create your first pin today and watch your affiliate commissions grow!

If you want, I can help you create ready-to-use pin templates or keyword lists for your niche — just let me know!